It’s been four years since The River’s critically acclaimed Vessels Into White Tides quietly claimed its place in the hearts of fans of measured, reflective songs. Since then the gradual metamorphosis of the band has continued, leading them to new album, A Hollow Full Of Hope, where flickers of sunlight and birdsong have found their way into the darkest corners of the band’s once dense and impenetrable sound. While the juxtaposition of weight and fragility that first drew fans to The River’s unique music remains – that play between delicate vocal lines and deep, powerful guitar progressions – a whole spectrum of light, colour and tactile texture has broken through the gloom.
Since they first began, back in 1999, The River have always stood apart, creating music laden with emotion, reflection and contemplation, that held secrets within its opaque notes that shone under the gaze of those whose hearts beat at that same thoughtful pace. Each album they have released has been a carefully crafted gift, treasured by the people who wait patiently for their delivery. A Hollow Full Of Hope is positively overflowing with riches, featuring some of the most beautiful songs the band have ever created. The steps back to 2005s Different Ways To Be Haunted EP can be traced with ease, but this album is very much a stride forward from Vessels Into White Tides. From the gentle invitation of ‘Fading’, through the magnificent, multifaceted ‘Exits’, the infinitely precious, diaphanous ‘Tiny Ticking Clocks’, on to the exhilarating, ringing chords of ‘A Vignette’ and the final promise of ‘Hollowful’, A Hollow Full Of Hope is a magical album that shows the true depth and value of The River.
Produced, mixed and mastered by William Spong (40 Watt Sun) and adorned in the elegant, enigmatic design and photography created by guitarist Christian Leitch (ex-Warning, ex-40 Watt Sun), A Hollow Full Of Hope will be released by Cavernous Records on June 30th. In the swirling noise and fury of the world it is an enclave of sanctuary; where so much, so many seek only to drain you it will revitalise and restore.
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